BRITISH COLUMBIA OPEN UNIVERSITY
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BRITISH COLUMBIA OPEN UNIVERSITY
Courses and Programs Overview Continuous Course Registration
Most distance courses delivered by BCOU are
The British Columbia Open University (BCOU)
offered on a continuous basis, so students may
offers courses and programs at three levels:
register throughout the year.
adult basic education, college, and university.
Labs, clinicals, selected classroom offerings, and
Credentials awarded include adult secondary school
some paced courses have fixed start dates (see below).
completion, certificates, diplomas, associate degrees,
bachelor’s degrees, and one master’s degree Varied Course Delivery Formats
(doctoral degrees are not available at this time).
BCOU-delivered courses are offered in the
BCOU delivers over 200 distance courses of its own. following formats:
Consortium partners—Simon Fraser University
(SFU), the University of British Columbia (UBC), • Print-based—Course is print-based. Some print-
and the University of Victoria (UVic)—deliver over based courses may have optional Web content
300 courses. Other courses and programs are and/or Web interaction. Internet access is not
offered in co-operation with various educational required to complete the course.
institutions, professional associations, workplaces, • Web-based—Course is Web-based. Most Web-
and community organizations. based courses have some printed materials.
Most universities, community colleges, provincial All Web-based courses have mandatory Web
institutes, businesses, industries, and professional content, and most have Web student-to-student
associations recognize the credits earned through interaction. Internet access is required to
BCOU courses and programs. complete the course.
• In Person—Course is delivered face-to-face in a
classroom setting or as a lab, clinical, workshop,
or fieldwork.
Professional associations recognizing
credentials earned through BCOU include: Not all delivery formats are offered for each course.
Applied Science Technologists and Technicians Course materials may include audiocassettes,
of BC DVDs, videos, or computer disks.
Appraisal Institute of Canada, BC
Tutor Support/Contact Choice
Association of Administrative Assistants
Students registered in courses delivered at a
Association of Tourism Professionals distance by BCOU receive instructional support
Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators from highly qualified tutors.
Canadian Healthcare Association Students can communicate with their tutor by
Canadian Institute of Management email, phone, or regular mail for most courses
Canadian Payroll Association and also by electronic conference for paced courses.
Certified General Accountants Association Flexible Course Scheduling
Certified Management Accountants Society of BC
Most distance courses delivered by BCOU are
College of Dental Hygienists of BC designed for students to complete within a
College of Licensed Practical Nurses of BC specified time frame at a place and pace that
College of Physical Therapists of BC suit their needs.
Credit Union Institute of Canada Some print-based and Web-based courses are offered
Institute of Canadian Bankers as paced where a group of students works through
the course together. Courses offered as paced have
Institute of Chartered Accountants
specific start and end dates. Students start the
Institute of Chartered Secretaries Association course at the same time, submit assignments (and
Municipal Officers’ Association project examinations when appropriate) by specific
Purchasing Management Association of Canada due dates, and write their final examination at a
pre-determined session. Extensions are limited and
Real Estate Institute of BC
granted only for exceptional circumstances.
Registered Nurses Association of BC
1SERVICES FOR STUDENTS
Educational Advising and Planning Learning Evaluation and Advising Program
(LEAP)
Student Services advisors can answer questions
concerning prerequisites and entrance requirements BCOU’s Learning Evaluation and Advising Program
to specific programs, transfer credit, challenge (LEAP) is available for those who wish to have their
credit, assessment of informal credit, preliminary previous learning evaluated and require assistance
program planning, course sequencing, and course in choosing an academic program. Anyone may
selection. Information is provided for students who apply for LEAP, including students of BCOU and
need help with study skills or other education- other post-secondary institutions as well as those
related concerns. Refer to the BCOU Website or considering a return to school. LEAP is designed to
contact Student Services. help people from various backgrounds choose an
academic path.
Information is provided on the BCOU Website at
Applicants submit documentation of their previous
to help students start and continue successfully learning for examination by a BCOU program
as distance learners. A self-test is included that advisor. As LEAP is not a BCOU credential,
prospective students can take to assist in applicants do not receive a certificate. Applicants
determining if distance learning fits their lifestyle. receive a report outlining any potential transfer
credit to BCOU and suggesting options for reaching
Students considering completing a program their academic goal(s). The LEAP report provides
through BCOU should identify a program of applicants with a preliminary assessment of their
interest to them and contact Student Services to: past learning, an estimate of the number of credits
• Review and confirm educational goals. for any completed coursework, and options for best
reaching their academic goals, based on their past
• Clarify the process for receiving credit for
experience and education.
previous formal and non-formal learning.
LEAP applicants are not obligated to follow one of
• Confirm how to apply for program admission.
the academic programs suggested on the report.
After a student has received the program The LEAP report is used as a guide for those
admission confirmation (including evaluation uncertain about how to reach their academic goals.
details), a program advisor is available to assist with
Applicants are required to submit the LEAP
selecting courses required to complete the program.
application form with the LEAP fee and their
In some cases students may use certificate, educational documents to BCOU Admissions. The
diploma, or associate degree studies toward a LEAP application form is available on the BCOU
university degree. Website and from Student Services. Applicants
Not all courses needed to complete certain should receive their LEAP reports approximately
programs are offered through BCOU. In many two to four weeks from the date that BCOU
cases, students take courses at other post-secondary receives all required documentation.
institutions with a Letter of Permission to complete If a LEAP applicant applies to a BCOU program
program requirements. within six months from the date of the LEAP
Degree programs offered in association with report, the LEAP fee is deducted from their
institutions outside BC may specify fees that program plan fee.
vary according to the relationship of BCOU with For more information, refer to the BCOU Website
a particular institution. or contact Student Services.
Students completing a college-level program with
First Nations Learning Centres
BCOU are awarded an Open College credential.
Students completing a university-level program In its commitment to First Nations learners, BCOU
with BCOU are awarded a British Columbia has assisted in establishing community-based
Open University credential. First Nations Learning Centres across the province.
At these centres, First Nations students learn at
Financial Aid and Awards their own pace in a setting that is in tune with
BCOU’s Financial Aid and Awards service helps their culture and their own communities. BCOU’s
students access institutional and government partner First Nations Learning Centres offer
financial assistance. Refer to pages 15–17. Adult Basic Education (ABE) upgrading courses
and programs, business and other college courses,
and some university-level courses.
2 WEB www.bcou.ca EMAIL student@bcou.caSERVICES FOR STUDENTS
Proficiency in English Requirements
Language Proficiency Index (LPI) Score and
Students are required to have proficiency in English Required Level of Study
suitable for the course level.
LPI score levels and the corresponding levels of
• BCOU’s college and university courses require college-level and university-level English
post-secondary English reading and writing skills. recommended are listed below.
• Students registering for courses that do not Level 6
specify prerequisites beyond English 12 should Enrol in first-year university course, e.g., ENGL 100
have sufficient English proficiency if they meet or 102, or college-level ENGL 107 if suitable for
one of the following requirements (provided as student’s goals.
a guideline):
Level 5
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) (with minimum score of 30/40 on essay section)
Computer Based Test (CBT) with a minimum Enrol in first-year university course, e.g., ENGL 100
score of 250 (600 on the paper-based test), or or 102, or college-level course suitable for
TOEFL CBT with a minimum score of 230 student’s goals.
(570 on the paper-based test) and a minimum Level 4
essay (TWE) score of 4.5, or
Enrol in college-level ENGL 106 or (ABE) ENGL 030.
Language Proficiency Index (LPI) Level 5
Level 3 and Below
with a minimum score of 30/40 on the essay
section, or Remedial English is required—discuss level with a
Student Services or program advisor.
International English Language Testing System
(IELTS) with a minimum score of 6.5. Language Testing Resources
Students who have not obtained the required LPI, a provincially recognized assessment, is available
proficiency in English for the course level should for a fee from UBC’s Applied Research and
discuss their plans with a Student Services advisor Evaluation Services. Phone 604.822.4145 or refer to
before registering. the UBC Website at .
More information about English language testing is
English and Mathematics Assessments provided on the following Websites:
For students wanting to upgrade their English or • www.ielts.org
mathematics skills, there are voluntary assessments
available to help determine skill levels. • www.toefl.org
• The English Language and Writing Assessment
can help students choose an English course at
the level best suited to their needs. Students
who have been away from formal studies for Notice to Students
some time are encouraged to make use of an
Most courses and programs offered by BCOU have
English assessment. This assessment is available
Canadian content. Though some select courses may
only to students residing in Canada.
be offered in other languages, the language of
• An English assessment with First Nations business at BCOU is English, and therefore services
content is available for First Nations students. are provided in English.
• The Mathematics Self-Assessment helps BCOU will assist students with any questions or
students select a mathematics course at the problems that may arise concerning the
correct level. interpretation of academic regulations. It is,
however, the responsibility of students to ensure
To order an assessment, contact Student Services.
that their academic programs meet the regulations
of a particular institution in all respects.
PHONE 604.431.3300 1.800.663.9711 3SERVICES FOR STUDENTS
Disability Services Office Student Library Services
Students with a disability can contact the Disability Library and information services are provided to all
Services Office (DSO) to discuss available services. students currently registered in courses delivered by
Services provided by DSO may include: BCOU. Services are accessible via the Web, by
phone, fax, email, regular mail, and in person at the
• Course material and BCOU publications in BCOU Library, 4355 Mathissi Place, Burnaby, BC.
alternative formats, e.g., electronic or large print
Electronic, print, and video resources are available
• Referrals for adaptive technology and equipment through the BCOU Library. Some of the core
• Special arrangements and modification for services provided to students include:
examinations (refer to the policy on page 27) • Access to skilled librarians who provide
• Advice on specialized tutoring, depending on research assistance
eligibility • Database searching assistance
• Disability-related general guidance and support • Access to electronic full-text and citation databases
Adaptive equipment or materials take time to • Access to BCOU’s library collection
arrange. Therefore, students are advised to indicate
their intention to register a minimum of ten weeks • Access to SFU’s collection of books and periodicals
before their intended course start date. Verification • Access to the resources of other libraries through
of disability is required to receive services from DSO. interlibrary loan
The types of services available may be different for • Study skills resources
students residing outside British Columbia and for • Delivery of non-returnable items to any location
students taking courses delivered by SFU, UBC,
or UVic. • Delivery of returnable items to many locations
(some restrictions apply; contact the library
Students requiring services should self-identify at for information)
the time of course registration or program
admission or contact DSO. • Toll-free phone access for students residing
in Canada
■ Disability Services Office (DSO) • Library cards for local libraries by request
dso@bcou.ca Students registered in courses delivered by SFU,
604.431.3043 or 1.800.663.1663, ext. 3043 UBC, or UVic acquire library services through the
(toll-free in Canada) institution delivering the course.
Students are responsible for all charges associated
with overdue or lost library materials. Official
transcripts are withheld until charges are cleared.
■ BCOU Library
http://library.bcou.ca
illn@bcou.ca
604.431.3403 or 1.800.663.1699
(toll-free in Canada)
Fax 604.431.3362
4 WEB www.bcou.ca EMAIL student@bcou.caADMISSION
Open Admission Admission to a Program
All persons are eligible for general admission to Students who plan to complete a credential with
BCOU and can apply for registration in courses BCOU must complete and submit the BCOU
and admission to programs. Differential fees and Program Admission/Transfer Credit form, provided
services may apply to applicants who are not at the end of this calendar and on the BCOU
permanent residents of British Columbia. Website. Students may also apply for program
Applicants do not require a specific grade point admission on the Post-secondary Application
average (GPA) and are not required to submit Service of BC (PASBC) Website at .
transcripts from secondary school to be admitted Students who have taken only courses previously
to BCOU and to register in courses. with BCOU and now want to complete a program
must apply for program admission.
Permanent Residents of British Columbia
Where BCOU offers degree programs in association
A permanent resident of British Columbia is with institutions outside BC, fees may vary according
defined as a person who resides in British Columbia to BCOU’s relationship with a particular institution.
and possesses Canadian citizenship or permanent
resident (landed immigrant) status. Transferring Credit from Other Institutions
International Students Students who want to apply to receive formal
transfer credit for courses and programs completed
An international student is defined as a person
elsewhere should follow these procedures:
(a) who does not possess Canadian citizenship, or
(b) who is not classified as a permanent resident of • Identify the BCOU program to be completed.
Canada under Canadian immigration regulations. Applicants unsure about program choices may
want to consider BCOU’s Learning Evaluation
Non-Canadian students who are temporarily
and Advising Program (LEAP) (refer to page 2).
resident in Canada are eligible to enrol in courses
and programs provided all Employment and • Read all the rules and regulations pertaining to
Immigration Canada regulations have been fulfilled. transfer credit and admission requirements of
Categories include but are not limited to those on a the selected program.
student, visitor, or work authorization visa. • Apply for program admission by completing
Non-Canadian students who are currently enrolled and submitting the Program Admission/Transfer
at another post-secondary institution in Canada are Credit form, with the program plan fee and
eligible to take courses, but are not eligible to enrol transfer credit assessment fee.
in programs unless the program is offered in • Arrange to have official transcripts from all
partnership with the institution they are attending. post-secondary institutions attended sent
Normally, BCOU coursework cannot be used to directly to BCOU Admissions by the registrar’s
establish or extend a student authorization office of the post-secondary institution(s) where
(student visa). the program or courses were completed.
Requirements Documents from outside Canada may need to
be evaluated by an accredited international
• Applicants to specific programs are required to
credential evaluation service such as
fulfill program admission requirements.
.
• Applicants registering in courses must declare
• Provide additional supporting documentation
that they have the required course prerequisites.
with the application, particularly if the
Students who provide a false declaration may be
coursework is over seven years old or if the
subject to penalties under the student conduct
course(s) were completed outside BC.
policy (refer to pages 18–20).
BCOU begins the assessment of formal education
• Applicants must have proficiency in English at a
on receipt of all three of the following:
level suitable to the course or program of study
(1) completed Program Admission/Transfer
for which they are applying. University-level
Credit form;
courses require English proficiency equivalent to
(2) full payment of the program plan fee and
Grade 12 English or higher. While most BCOU
assessment of transfer credit fee; and
courses and programs do not require any
(3) official transcripts of all post-secondary studies.
particular English proficiency tests, prospective
students who have English as a second language Results of the assessment and outline of a program
may be asked to provide information concerning plan are sent to students.
their proficiency in English (refer to page 3).
PHONE 604.431.3300 1.800.663.9711 5ADMISSION
Program Plans Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition
A program plan is the record of a student’s progress (PLAR)
toward a credential (certificate, diploma, degree). Students who have been admitted to or who plan
Upon application to a program, a program plan is to apply for admission to a BCOU program may be
prepared by a BCOU academic program advisor eligible for credit based on an assessment of their
when the applicant’s official transcripts and non-formal or prior learning. PLAR credit may be
applicable fees have been received and transfer used to complete their credential.
credits have been assessed (minimum of four weeks
Prior learning includes the skills and knowledge
is required for processing). Students pay a fee for
gained through learning experiences such as
each program plan prepared (refer to page 12).
industry-based training, professional development
A program plan shows the following: workshops and seminars, private study, and work
(1) requirements for the program; experience. (Students who have completed formal
(2) student’s transfer credit; and courses and programs must apply for transfer
(3) remaining credits required for program credit assessment before having their non-formal
completion. learning assessed.)
Remaining credits may be earned through Normally, BCOU assesses prior learning in one of
coursework or prior learning assessment and two ways—challenge examination or prior learning
recognition (PLAR) (by course challenge or assessment portfolio.
portfolio assessment) or a combination of both.
Challenge Examination
Students should consult with their program advisor
prior to registering in a course to ensure that the Students may write one or more challenge
course satisfies program requirements. Students examinations to demonstrate knowledge of the
registering in courses without prior approval from content of a particular BCOU course or of a first
an advisor bear the responsibility for taking courses language (refer to page 190). The amount of credit
that may not be applicable to program requirements. awarded is the same as completing the course as a
registered student. Students are required to register
Students admitted to a BCOU program who plan to in the course and pay the course tuition and course
take a course from an institution other than BCOU administration fees in order to write a course
must first apply for a Letter of Permission. One challenge examination. Contact Student Services
Letter of Permission per semester, per institution is for more information.
required for such courses. Students who do not
obtain a Letter of Permission risk taking a course Prior Learning Assessment Portfolio
that may not be transferable as suitable credit to
Students demonstrate that their prior learning
their BCOU program and are required to pay the
has provided them with a series of “competencies”
transfer credit fee.
(such as communication abilities or problem-
To have their program plan updated, students solving abilities) that are critical for success in
are responsible for notifying their program advisor completion of a degree. Students are required to
that additional courses have been completed and prepare and submit a learning portfolio with
final grades assigned. written documents and other materials (e.g.,
For courses taken through the Letter of Permission videos, compact discs) and may be required to
process, the program plan is updated when have an oral interview.
BCOU receives official transcripts detailing course The non-refundable PLAR fee is required in advance.
completion from the external institution. Students
are responsible for ordering these transcripts. Note
Students wanting to change to a different program PLAR portfolio assessment varies by program area.
must consult with their program advisor. Intention Details are provided by each program area.
to change programs must be confirmed in writing Normally, PLAR credit awarded by BCOU toward a
(email is acceptable). Upon written confirmation, a BCOU credential cannot be transferred to other
program plan for the new program is prepared. A post-secondary institutions. PLAR credit may not be
fee is charged for a program plan change (refer to accepted for admission to post-degree programs.
page 12). Students are advised to confirm the transferability
and acceptance of PLAR credit to another
institution prior to applying for PLAR.
Refer to PLAR policies on pages 22–23 and to the
PLAR Website at .
6 WEB www.bcou.ca EMAIL student@bcou.caADMISSION
Transferring Credit to Other Institutions
About Distance Education
BC’s post-secondary education system has a
Information is provided on the BCOU Website at
well-established transfer credit system, particularly
designed for students planning to take individual
to help students start and continue successfully as
courses or a partial university program through a
distance learners. A self-test is included to assist
prospective students in determining whether
community college or university college.
distance learning fits their lifestyle. Students planning to register in BCOU’s college
or university courses and planning to complete a
program offered by another institution are advised
to refer to that institution’s admission information
to determine initial program requirements. Transfer
Advanced Placement information is available in the Online Transfer Guide
on the Web at .
Advanced Placement is a program of college-level
courses and examinations, administered by the Courses listed in this calendar delivered by
College Entrance Examination Board in New York, Simon Fraser University (SFU), the University of
with a Canadian office in Kelowna, BC. Unless British Columbia (UBC), or the University of
otherwise specified, BCOU requires that students Victoria (UVic) are BCOU university-level courses
have a minimum grade of 3.0 in the Advanced for which students receive BCOU credit. Students
Placement program to receive transfer credit. are responsible to be aware of transfer credit
policies prior to registration for courses they
International Baccalaureate plan to transfer to other institutions.
The International Baccalaureate program, sponsored
by a Swiss foundation in Geneva, is a SFU, UBC, UVic Transfer Credit
comprehensive curriculum, including languages, Students are advised that registration through
science, mathematics, and humanities. Unless BCOU in courses delivered by SFU, UBC, or UVic
otherwise specified, BCOU requires that students may not automatically be accepted for transfer
have a minimum grade of 4.0 in the International credit to a specific program of studies by the
Baccalaureate program to receive transfer credit. institution delivering the course. Students planning
More Information to take courses through BCOU and then transfer
the credit to another institution should consult
For more information, refer to the Online Transfer the Online Transfer Guide.
Guide on the Web at .
Students should note that registration through
BCOU in courses delivered by SFU, UBC, or UVic
does not mean they are admitted to the institution
delivering the course. Students are advised to refer
Registering Only for Courses to the individual institution’s admission policies.
Refer to pages 191–193 for contact information.
Students who are not intending to complete a BCOU
post-secondary credential may register directly for Visiting Students
most courses. Refer to pages 8–14.
Visiting students planning to take courses through
BCOU for transfer to another institution can
register in courses without submitting transcripts.
Although a Letter of Permission is not required by
BCOU, BCOU recommends that students obtain
one from their home institution to ensure that the
course(s) selected applies to their program of study.
PHONE 604.431.3300 1.800.663.9711 7REGISTRATION
BCOU-Delivered Distance Courses Course Packages
BCOU course packages include all the required
Most BCOU-delivered distance courses are offered
texts and course materials unless otherwise noted.
on a continuous basis, so students may register
Students also receive information about their
throughout the year. Labs, clinicals, selected
course tutor. Tutors contact students registered in
classroom offerings, and some Web-based, paced
courses, or students may choose to contact their
courses have fixed start dates.
tutor first.
For information about course availability, refer to
Students normally receive their course package by
the BCOU Website or contact Student Services.
courier within two weeks of registering in BCOU’s
BCOU courses that have rental materials courses with continuous registration. For courses
(equipment and videos) are not available to with fixed start dates, students normally receive
students residing outside Canada. their packages by courier no later than two weeks
before the course start date.
Course Prerequisites
Course prerequisites are specified in the course Completion of Courses with Continuous
descriptions in this calendar and on the BCOU Registration
Website. Students are not required to submit Completion of BCOU-delivered courses with
transcripts in order to register in a course that continuous registration (e.g., do not have fixed
has prerequisites. start dates) is as follows:
Students may be required to provide proof of • Most three-credit distance courses are designed
English proficiency appropriate to their level of to be completed within a four-month period,
study. It is assumed that students have Grade 12 based on twelve to fifteen hours of study time
English or equivalent for courses requiring no per week.
formal prerequisites. Refer to page 3 for more
information on the English proficiency requirement. • The maximum course completion time for these
courses is thirty weeks from the date of
When registering for courses, students are registration. As many courses are self-paced,
required to declare that they have met the formal students may choose to complete a course in
or equivalent prerequisites. Students who provide a less than the allowed maximum time.
false declaration may be subject to penalties under
the student conduct policy (refer to pages 18–20). BCOU’s most successful students complete
continuous-registration three-credit courses in
Credit Courses four months or less.
Credit courses require that students complete all • To achieve the learning outcomes and to prepare
mandatory coursework, including assignments for the final examination, it is recommended
and the final examination or project. Full tutorial that students in BCOU-delivered courses
support throughout the duration of the course is complete their assignments in order and submit
provided for all credit courses. them to their tutor as they complete them
(several weeks before the final examination).
Credit-free Courses • By choosing an early examination session,
Some courses offer a credit-free option. Students students may complete a course in less than
complete coursework, including assignments, with thirty weeks. Students may usually choose from
full tutorial support but are not required to write six examination sessions over the thirty-week
the final examination. Refer to the policy on period from the date of registration. This
page 23. schedule is included in the student’s
Contact Student Services for more information. confirmation of registration package.
Note
Full-time financial aid students should refer to
LEAP their Study Contract for course completion
deadlines.
BCOU’s Learning Evaluation and Advising Program
(LEAP) is available for those who wish to have their
previous learning informally evaluated and require
assistance in choosing an academic program. Refer to
page 2 or the BCOU Website for more information.
8 WEB www.bcou.ca EMAIL student@bcou.caREGISTRATION
Examinations Non-Tuition Course Costs
The final examination for a BCOU self-paced, Texts and Course Materials
independent-study course is either a supervised
written examination held in a BCOU examination The cost of texts and course materials varies by
centre in BC or other supervised location arranged course and is part of the total course fee due and
by the student, or a project examination normally payable to BCOU at the time of registration.
completed at the student’s residence. Information is BCOU Course Materials Shipping Costs
provided in the course package and in the detailed
course descriptions on the BCOU Website. • Within Canada: No charge
Instructions for applying to write examinations • To the United States: $30 CDN
are in a student’s confirmation of registration • Outside Canada (excluding US): $100 CDN
package, in the BCOU Student Handbook, and on
the BCOU Website. Rented Materials
Refer to examination policies on pages 27–28. Courses that have specified returnable materials
(e.g., equipment and videos) require a deposit to
be paid at registration. The deposit is refunded
(less the rental fee and any deduction for damaged
BCOU Supervised Examinations
or missing items) on return of the materials in
Examination Session Application Deadline good condition in the original packing. Materials
September 11–14, 2004 August 11, 2004 for which students have paid a deposit remain the
property of BCOU. Students who fail to return
October 16–19, 2004 September 16, 2004
rented materials do not receive the deposit refund.
November 13–16, 2004 October 13, 2004
December 4–7, 2004 November 4, 2004 Long-distance Phone Charges
January 15–18, 2005 December 15, 2004 Students residing in Canada may access phone
February 12–15, 2005 January 12, 2005 services toll-free, including tutorial services,
educational advising, registration, records,
March 12–15, 2005 February 12, 2005
examinations, library, disability services, and
April 9–12, 2005 March 9, 2005 technical support.
May 7–10, 2005 April 7, 2005 Students residing outside Canada are required to
June 11–14, 2005 May 11, 2005 pay for all long-distance phone charges for the
July 9–12, 2005 June 9, 2005 above services, technical support and administrative
August 13–16, 2005 July 13, 2005 services, and mandatory teleconferences in courses.
September 10–13, 2005 August 10, 2005 PLAR Candidates
Candidates for PLAR (prior learning assessment and
recognition) are responsible for all costs associated
Registration Cancellation, Withdrawal, with the PLAR process. Refer to PLAR policies on
pages 22–23.
Extension, Repeat Registration
Refer to policies on pages 23–26. Postage
All students in all distance courses are responsible
Transcripts for the cost of mailing assignments for grading.
After completing a course, students automatically
receive one unofficial transcript with their grade. Library Services
BCOU students may order official transcripts Some courses require students to access BCOU’s
on the BCOU Website at or Library services. Refer to page 4 for applicable costs.
complete and submit the Transcript Request form,
available on the BCOU Website, in the BCOU
■ Refer to page 12 for tuition and fees information.
Student Handbook, and from Student Services.
■ Refer to page 14 for information on how to register.
PHONE 604.431.3300 1.800.663.9711 9REGISTRATION
Distance Courses Delivered by SFU-Delivered Distance Courses
SFU, UBC, UVic
Deadlines, Prerequisites, Completion
English Proficiency, Prerequisites Declaration Courses are offered in September, January, and May.
Students may be required to provide proof of Not all courses are offered every semester. Course
English proficiency appropriate to their level of registration deadlines apply. Deadlines are specified
study. It is assumed that students have Grade 12 on the BCOU Website “Register Now” system and
English or equivalent for courses requiring no are available from BCOU Student Services. Space is
formal prerequisites. Refer to page 3 for more limited and early registration is advised.
information on the English proficiency requirement. Prerequisites are specified in the course descriptions
When registering for courses, students are required in this calendar and on the BCOU Website.
to declare that they have met the formal or Detailed course descriptions are provided on the
equivalent prerequisites. Students who provide a SFU Website. Students are not required to submit
false declaration may be subject to penalties under transcripts to register in a course with prerequisites.
the student conduct policy (refer to pages 18–20). When registering for courses, students are required
to declare that they have met the formal or
Examinations equivalent prerequisites.
Examinations are arranged by each institution. Students are sent a letter by BCOU confirming
Refer to examination policies on pages 28–29. course registration. SFU provides course packages,
which include all the required texts, course
Registration Cancellation, Withdrawal, materials, and instructions on how to proceed.
Extension, Repeat Registration Additional research materials are available through
SFU’s Library.
Refer to policies on pages 24–26.
Students are required to complete the course in
Postage thirteen weeks from the course start date (normally
All students in all distance courses are responsible the first Monday in September, January, or May)
for the cost of mailing assignments for grading. and submit assignments according to established
timelines. Course completion times are given in the
Transcripts course descriptions. Many courses have supervised
After completing a course, students automatically mid-term examinations. Final examinations are
receive one unofficial transcript with their grade. scheduled on specific dates in weeks fourteen or
Students may order official transcripts on the fifteen and are arranged by SFU (refer to page 28).
BCOU Website at or complete and Those wanting to audit a course delivered by SFU
submit the Transcript Request form, available on should contact SFU directly.
the BCOU Website and from Student Services. Students residing outside Canada who are
interested in registering in SFU-delivered courses
through BCOU are considered on an individual
SFU, UBC, UVic Transfer Credit basis. Contact SFU’s Centre for Distance Education
(CDE) for more details (refer to page 191).
Students should note that registration in a course
delivered by SFU, UBC, or UVic does not mean a Non-Tuition Course Costs
student is admitted to that institution. Students are
The cost of texts and course materials varies by
advised to refer to the individual institution’s
course and is part of the total course fee due and
admission policies.
payable to BCOU at the time of registration.
Students receive required texts with course packages.
Other texts are available at the SFU Bookstore.
■ Refer to page 13 for tuition and fees information. A damage deposit is charged for some courses for
materials (audio and videotapes and/or copyrighted
■ Refer to page 14 for information on how to register. material) that are required to be returned at the
end of the semester. The deposit is refunded,
providing materials are returned in good,
unmarked condition by the deadline stated in
the course package.
Information about long-distance phone charges is
provided in the course package.
10 WEB www.bcou.ca EMAIL student@bcou.caREGISTRATION
UBC-Delivered Distance Courses UVic-Delivered Distance Courses
Deadlines, Prerequisites, Completion Deadlines, Prerequisites, Completion
Most courses are offered three times a year, usually Course start dates are specific to the program area
in September, January, and May. Some are available offering the course. Course start dates are given in
only once or twice a year. Course registration the course descriptions. If none is listed, contact
deadlines apply. Deadlines are specified on the the UVic program area (refer to page 193). Course
BCOU Website “Register Now” system and are registration deadlines apply. Deadlines are specified
available from BCOU Student Services. Space is on the BCOU Website “Register Now” system and
limited and early registration is advised. are available from BCOU Student Services. Space is
Prerequisites are specified in the course descriptions limited and early registration is advised.
in this calendar and on the BCOU Website. Prerequisites are specified in the course descriptions
Detailed course descriptions are provided on the in this calendar and on the BCOU Website.
UBC Website. Students are not required to submit Students are not required to submit transcripts
transcripts to register in a course with prerequisites. to register in a course with prerequisites. When
When registering for courses, students are required registering for courses, students are required to
to declare that they have met the formal or declare that they have met the formal or
equivalent prerequisites. equivalent prerequisites.
Students are sent a letter by BCOU confirming Students are sent a letter by BCOU confirming
course registration. UBC provides course packages, course registration. Registered students receive
which may include a book order form to purchase instructions by mail about purchasing texts and
texts from the UBC Bookstore. Additional research course materials from the UVic Bookstore and
materials are available through UBC’s Library. accessing library resources.
Courses are of variable lengths. A schedule for Course completion times are given in the course
course completion is included in the course descriptions. If none is listed, contact the specific
package or provided on the UBC courses UVic program area. Examinations are arranged
Website, together with timelines for submitting by UVic (refer to page 29).
assignments. Course completion times are given Those wanting to audit a course delivered by
in the course descriptions. Examinations are UVic should contact UVic directly.
arranged by UBC (refer to page 28). Examination
information with application deadlines is provided Some distance courses delivered by UVic are
on the UBC Website at . Contact the UVic program area for more details.
Those wanting to audit a course delivered by UBC Some courses delivered by UVic include face-to-face
should contact UBC directly. lab, classroom, or field-trip components, which
may require travel to UVic or a designated site.
Some distance courses delivered by UBC are available Contact the UVic program area for more details.
to students residing outside Canada. Information is
provided in UBC’s DE&T Learner’s Guide. Non-Tuition Course Costs
Some courses delivered by UBC include face-to-face Students are responsible for purchasing the
lab components, which may require travel to a required texts for most courses. Specific program
designated site. Details are available from UBC’s areas mail instructions to registered students on
Distance Education and Technology (DE&T) Office how to purchase course materials. Texts are
(refer to page 192). available at the UVic Bookstore.
Non-Tuition Course Costs Information about long-distance phone charges
and loans of materials is provided by the specific
Students are responsible for purchasing the program area at UVic (refer to page 193).
required texts. Ordering information is included
in UBC course packages. Texts are available at the
UBC Bookstore.
Information about long-distance phone charges,
loans of materials, and costs for materials that
are not returned is provided in UBC’s DE&T
Learner’s Guide.
PHONE 604.431.3300 1.800.663.9711 11REGISTRATION
Tuition and Fees
BCOU-Delivered Distance Courses
Permanent Residents of BC Credit-free Courses
High-school Completion (ABE) Courses Applicable tuition per credit + $70 course
$0 tuition + $70 course administration fee + texts + administration fee + texts + course materials
course materials
Course Extensions—All Students
College and University Courses
$80 per course (not all courses are eligible for extension)
$85 tuition per credit + $70 course administration
fee + texts + course materials
Program Plans
Seniors (65 years +)
$50 per certificate program plan
$21.25 tuition per credit + $70 course administration
fee + texts + course materials $50 per diploma/associate degree program plan
Permanent Residents of Canada, Residing outside BC $125 per bachelor’s degree program plan
High-school Completion (ABE) Courses Re-assessments (Program Plan Change)
$85 tuition + $75 non-BC-resident fee + $70 course
$50 per program
administration fee + texts + course materials
College and University Courses Repeat Registrations
$85 tuition per credit + $75 non-BC-resident fee + Refer to policy on page 24.
$70 course administration fee + texts + course materials
International Students Formal Grade Appeals—All Students
High-school Completion (ABE) Courses $100 per course. Refer to policy on pages 30–31.
$255 tuition + $70 course administration fee + texts +
course materials Transfer Credit Assessments
$40 BC documents only
College and University Courses
$255 tuition per credit + $70 course administration $75 Non-BC documents or combined
fee + texts + course materials
Course Materials Return: Restocking Fee
• A permanent resident of BC is defined as a person $25 per return instance. Refer to policy on pages 24–25.
who resides in BC and possesses Canadian citizenship
or permanent resident (landed immigrant) status. • Fees are subject to change without notice.
• A permanent resident of Canada residing outside • Yukon residents pay the same tuition as BC residents.
BC is defined as a person who resides outside BC
and possesses Canadian citizenship or permanent • Some courses and programs delivered by BCOU are
resident (landed immigrant) status. subject to alternate fee schedules.
• An international student is defined as a person • The course administration fee is non-refundable
(a) who does not possess Canadian citizenship, or when students cancel their registration or withdraw
(b) who is not classified as a permanent resident of from a course.
Canada under Canadian immigration regulations. • Refer to individual course descriptions on the BCOU
Website to determine course prices, or contact
Student Services.
Note to Canadian Citizens Residing outside Canada To apply for reimbursement, students are required to
All students residing outside Canada pay the international submit a request in writing to the BCOU Office of the
tuition rate when they register online for courses. Registrar, accompanied by a photocopy of their birth
Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada certificate, passport, or citizenship certificate as proof
(landed immigrants) will be reimbursed a portion of of Canadian citizenship.
their tuition on submission of proof of Canadian Students may submit requests by mail to the BCOU
citizenship. With the reimbursement, tuition paid is Office of the Registrar, Box 82080, Burnaby, BC V5C 6J8,
equal to tuition for permanent residents of Canada Canada, or by fax to 604.431.3444.
residing outside British Columbia (non-BC Canadian).
12 WEB www.bcou.ca EMAIL student@bcou.caREGISTRATION
SFU-Delivered Distance Courses • Fees are subject to change without notice.
Permanent Residents of BC • The course administration fee is non-refundable
Permanent Residents of Canada, Residing outside BC when students cancel their registration or withdraw
from a course.
$142.30 tuition per credit + $70 course administration
fee + texts + course materials • For information on auditing courses, contact SFU.
Refer to page 191 for contact information.
Seniors (60 years +)
$0 tuition + $70 course administration fee + texts
+ course materials
International Students
$475.70 tuition per credit + $70 course administration
fee + texts + course materials
UBC-Delivered Distance Courses • Fees are subject to change without notice.
Permanent Residents of BC • The course administration fee is non-refundable
Permanent Residents of Canada, Residing outside BC when students cancel their registration or withdraw
from a course.
$133.70 or $148.90 tuition per credit + $80 course
administration fee + texts (purchased separately) • For information on auditing courses, contact UBC.
+ course materials. Tuition varies by the program. Refer to page 192 for contact information.
Refer to the BCOU Website.
Seniors (60 years +)
$0 tuition + $80 course administration fee + texts
+ course materials
International Students
$516 or $542 tuition per credit + $80 course
administration fee + texts + course materials
UVic-Delivered Distance Courses • Fees are subject to change without notice.
Permanent Residents of BC • The course administration fee is non-refundable
Permanent Residents of Canada, Residing outside BC when students cancel their registration or withdraw
from a course.
$141.30 tuition per credit + $35 course administration
fee (varies by course) + texts + course materials • For information on auditing courses, contact UVic.
Refer to page 193 for contact information.
Seniors
• Fees listed do not apply to all courses. Refer to the
No reduced fees BCOU Website.
International Students • Note: 3 BCOU credits = 1.5 UVic units.
$416.50 tuition per credit + $35 course administration
fee (varies by course) + texts + course materials
• All fees are payable with course registrations and other • In the event of any indebtedness to BCOU, any fees
requested services and are required to be paid to the paid are first applied to the removal of the debt.
British Columbia Open University in Canadian funds in • No official transcripts, certificates, diplomas, or degrees
the manner and by the dates prescribed. Cheques are are issued to a student in debt to the British Columbia
to be drawn on Canadian financial institutions. Open University except by the approval of the board,
• The board of the British Columbia Open University nor is the student permitted to repeat a registration,
reserves the right to change tuition fees, and the obtain a course extension, or write an examination
president of the Open Learning Agency reserves the until all indebtedness is removed.
right to change all other fees without prior notice.
PHONE 604.431.3300 1.800.663.9711 13REGISTRATION
How to Register Register Online
To register, applicants should: www.bcou.ca
1. Select course(s) and confirm course availability With Visa, MasterCard, or approved student loan
by referring to the BCOU Website or by Use the “Register Now” system on the BCOU Website
contacting Student Services. to register quickly and conveniently.
2. Ensure that course prerequisites (outlined in the
course descriptions in this calendar and on the Register by Phone
BCOU Website) are met and declare when 604.431.3300
registering that the necessary prerequisites have 1.800.663.9711 (toll-free in Canada)
been met.
With Visa or MasterCard
3. Confirm access to equipment required (such as
Phone Student Services, with course details and credit
to the Internet for a Web-based course). Required
card information, on any weekday from 8:30 a.m. to
equipment is noted in the course descriptions in 4:30 p.m. (Pacific Time); closed on statutory holidays.
this calendar and on the BCOU Website.
4. Be aware of the application deadline and the Register by Fax
course start date, especially if the course is 604.431.3444
delivered by SFU, UBC, or UVic.
With Visa or MasterCard
5. Disclose a disability when registering if special
arrangements are required and submit a Fax both sides of the completed Course Registration
written request, including relevant medical form to Student Services (do not mail the original
documentation, a minimum of ten weeks prior Course Registration form when it is sent by fax).
to the course start date.
Register by Mail
6. Select one of the methods of payment listed. British Columbia Open University
• Registrations are not processed until all course Student Services
fees have been received. Box 82080
Burnaby, BC V5C 6J8
• Payment is deposited on receipt. Canada
• Payment is refunded for registrations not
With Visa, MasterCard, cheque, or money order
processed.
Mail the completed Course Registration form with
full fee payment to Student Services. Cheque or
Tax Receipts money order is payable to the British Columbia
Open University.
T2202A receipts are issued only to students taking
courses at the post-secondary level. BCOU provides With student loan or grant
official receipts (T2202A: Tuition and Education Mail the completed Course Registration form with
Credit Certificate) for income tax purposes in a completed Part-time Student Assistance
February of each year for the previous calendar year. Application form or a completed Full-time Fee
BCOU provides tax receipts to students with a Deferral Request form.
Canadian address and to students who are
permanent residents of Canada with a temporary
address outside Canada.
Tuition fees for courses spanning one calendar year ■ The Course Registration form is provided at the
to the next are prorated to each applicable year. For end of this calendar and on the BCOU Website.
example, a course with a four-month completion
time starting in November is recorded fifty per cent
on the tax receipt for the year when the course
started and fifty per cent on the receipt for the
following year.
For information about income tax regulations, refer
to the Canada Revenue Agency Website at
.
14 WEB www.bcou.ca EMAIL student@bcou.caFINANCIAL AID AND AWARDS
Applying for Financial Assistance Part-time Bursaries and Grants
(non-repayable aid)
For part-time or full-time application forms and
information, contact Student Services. The Part-time Student Assistance Application form
• Applicants may submit part-time application is provided on the BCOU Website and is available
forms (originals only) to the BCOU Financial from the Financial Aid and Awards office. Up to
Aid and Awards office. four weeks is required to process the application.
• Applicants may submit full-time application The programs listed in this section pay for all
forms online at or paper direct educational costs, including tuition, course
forms to the Ministry of Advanced Education. administration fee, and required textbooks, as well
as supplies, a small miscellaneous living allowance,
• Students making up a full-time course load and some childcare when applicable.
from more than one institution (split-enrolled)
are to inform each institution’s financial aid Upon approval of a bursary or grant application,
office before registering. the student is registered in the requested course(s),
or, if already registered, is reimbursed by cheque or
credit card refund.
Residency Requirements
Bursaries and grants are available to applicants
Currently, only Canadian citizens and permanent who demonstrate financial need (according to
residents (landed immigrants) are eligible to apply the formula used by the BC Student Assistance
for assistance. Program) and, for the Canada Study Grant only,
are unable to study full-time or to fund part-time
Full-time Assistance study through employment. Applicants must be
The Canada Student Loans Program defines a in good standing with any previous Canada or BC
student’s province of residence for the purposes of student loans.
full-time assistance as the last province lived in for
twelve consecutive months as a non full-time Adult Basic Education Student Assistance
student, or if the student has immigrated within Program (ABESAP)
the last year, the province in which they landed. This provincial grant program provides funding
Canadian citizens or permanent residents (landed to students registered in Adult Basic Education
immigrants) who do not qualify as residents of BC courses; Grade 10, 11, or 12 completion; ESL
may apply for full-time government loans and (English as a second language); or Basic Literacy.
grants through the province of which they are
considered to be residents. If the student’s chosen Canada Study Grant for High-Need Students
program of study is available at institutions in their This federal grant program (CSG) provides funding
province of residence, the student may not be to students registered in qualifying post-secondary
eligible for provincial loans and grants through courses who are pursuing a certificate, diploma,
some provinces while studying in BC. or degree. Applicants are required to have primary
responsibility for dependents, have a disability,
Part-time Assistance or be otherwise unable to study full-time. The
Applicants must be resident in BC at the time of maximum funding per student per program year
application to receive part-time assistance through (August 1 to July 31) is $1,200.
BCOU. For students not residing in BC, the
Part-time Canada Study Grant (CSG) can be Erm Fiorillo-Hal Davis CKNW Orphans’ Fund
applied for directly through the government in the Endowment Fund
province in which the student is residing. Established by the CKNW Orphans’ Fund, this
endowment provides funding to students who
are single parents. Preference is given to those not
Comprehensive Financial Planning for Education already receiving funding through other programs
and who have not previously completed a
Funded by the BC Ministry of Advanced Education, post-secondary program of study.
this resource provides “hands-on” opportunities to
explore financial planning through a series of Barbara Guttmann-Gee Bursary Endowment
learner-oriented modules. It is available on the Web Fund
at .
Established by BCOU 1991 graduate Barbara
Guttmann-Gee, this endowment provides funding
to women students. Preference is given to older
women in financial need.
PHONE 604.431.3300 1.800.663.9711 15FINANCIAL AID AND AWARDS
BCOU Bursary Endowment Fund All students receiving student loans or grants are
required to sign a Study Contract (or Payment
This endowment gives preference to candidates
Schedule for onsite students).
who do not have access to other sources of
financial aid and those pursuing a BCOU credential. After registration, full-time status for distance
courses is maintained by submitting assignments
Full-time Student Loans and Grants each month and submitting all coursework during
the loan period in nine credits (the minimum
Students may apply for the BC Student Assistance required for full-time status). Loan documents and
Program (BCSAP) online at or grants are not released past the study period
may use a paper application, which must be midpoint without sufficient academic progress.
submitted a minimum of fours weeks before the Final examinations may be written after the loan
funding is required. period but before the course completion date as
Students may check their loan application status specified in the student’s welcome letter.
online at . Failure to submit assignments on a regular schedule
throughout the loan period, or failure to submit all
BC Student Assistance Program (BCSAP)
coursework by the end of the loan period, may be
This program provides Canada student loans and regarded as a “technical” withdrawal from full-time
BC student loans to BC residents who demonstrate study even though a student does not formally withdraw.
financial need and who are enrolled full-time in This may result in a portion of the loan being
post-secondary programs. placed in “over award” and becoming immediately
The maximum award for both educational and repayable (“over award” portions of a grant are
living costs is $275 per week for eligible students retroactively converted to an interest-bearing loan).
without dependents and $435 per week for eligible Eligibility for further funds, interest-free status, and
students with dependents. other privileges associated with full-time status may
be affected.
To be considered a full-time student under the
BCSAP, it is necessary to register in and complete Interest Relief
a minimum course load of nine new credits per Students who are required to begin repayment of
four-month loan period. (Repeat registrations can their BC or Canada student loans but are unable
only be used when no assignments were passed to do so due to financial hardship may apply for
in the previous registration.) interest relief through their lending institution
For distance education students this is a shorter (for risk-shared loans) or Student Loan Centre (for
completion schedule than BCOU imposes. This direct loans). Approval is based on financial need
can be a challenge for students unfamiliar with and can maintain the loans in interest-free status
studying at home, and it is recommended that new for up to three years (up to five years in some cases).
BCOU students begin with part-time study or that
they familiarize themselves with the new method Full-time Single Parents Bursary Endowment
of study before taking out loans. Information Fund
about taking distance courses is provided on the Established by the CKNW Orphans’ Fund, this
BCOU Website at to help students start and continue are single parents, have received the maximum
successfully as distance learners. student loan amount, and still have “unmet need.”
Much of the flexibility of open learning is lost when Applicants must have successfully completed their
applying for full-time government student loans. last full-time term with BCOU.
There are six distance education loan periods, each
four months long, which start on January 10, BCOU Emergency Bridging Loan Fund
March 10, May 10, July 10, September 10, and This fund is used to provide short-term bridging
November 10. Students are required to register in a loans to enrolled distance education students
full-time course load within the month prior to the who incur unforeseen delays in their financing
start date of each period (e.g., register in August for (normally student loans). Loans of up to $700,
a September start). interest-free, are provided for a period of up to sixty
Any continuous registrations received after the days, provided the pending financing is guaranteed
start date of the term can only be applied to the (e.g., an approved student loan) and assignable.
following term (e.g., a January 11 registration can These loans cannot be issued prior to the first day
be applied only to the following loan term). of a student’s study period.
16 WEB www.bcou.ca EMAIL student@bcou.caYou can also read
